Deadly Hazards to Know About When Traveling Through Georgia

By Grant Law Office on December 6, 2021

Commuters in Georgia face serious hazards when they get behind the wheel of a car. Statewide, traffic fatalities are on the rise. As of October, more than 1,000 people had already died in traffic crashes across the state in 2021, as reported on Fox 5. In one September weekend alone, 16 people were killed in traffic accidents. Speeding is a major factor in deadly accidents in Georgia and on metro Atlanta roads.

What Is Traffic Like on Georgia’s Major Highways?

Interstates highways comprise 3% of lane miles in Georgia and carry 26% of traffic, as stated by the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT). State routes comprise 19% of lane miles and carry 59% of traffic. The most heavily traveled interstates through Georgia include I-75, I-85, I-20, I-285, and I-95.

Atlanta is home to six major interstates, with heavy commercial truck traffic and congestion. Some of the most dangerous stretches of road in the city are:

• Interstate 285 between I-75 and I-85: In both directions, this section of roadway is one of the busiest in the nation. Approximately 2 million drivers travel this road each day.
• Georgia 400: Congested traffic and lack of signage can contribute to accidents on this stretch of road. Commuters may be wise to look for a safer alternate route.
• 1-85: Interstate 85 is one of the most congested roadways in the state, with particularly heavy traffic during rush hour. Drivers in Atlanta may want to take U.S. Highway 23, U.S. Highway 123, or the Downtown Connector as alternatives to this hazardous road.

What Types of Deadly Accidents Happen on Georgia Roadways?

Traffic deaths in Georgia are on the rise, and pedestrian fatalities are up by almost 17%, according to Fox 5. Motor vehicle fatalities have been increasing since the beginning of the pandemic. The major contributing factors to the increase in traffic deaths over the past few years appear to be speeding, impaired driving, and distracted driving.

Georgia is seeing all types of deadly accidents, including rear-end collisions, angle collisions, head-on crashes, and failure to stop collisions. GDOT reports that:

• 1,824 people were killed on roads in Georgia in 2021.
• 70% of these fatal accidents were caused by unsafe driving behavior, including distractions, impairment, and driving too fast for conditions.
• 57% of the people who died either were not or may not have been wearing seatbelts.
• 1% of the fatalities were pedestrians.

What Types of Injuries Are Sustained in Georgia Motor Vehicle Accidents?

Head-on collisions, T-bone accidents, and rear-end crashes caused by unsafe driving behavior on Georgia roadways can cause a range of serious, catastrophic, and fatal injuries, particularly at high speeds. Common car crash injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injury
• Spinal cord damage
• Disfiguring facial injuries
• Internal organ damage
• Amputation
• Crush injuries
• Bone fractures
• Back and neck injuries
• Shoulder, wrist, and hand injuries
• Knee, ankle, and foot injuries

What Precautions Should You Take During a Georgia Commute?

Many serious and fatal accidents are preventable. To better avoid deadly hazards on Georgia roadways:

• Drive alert – never drowsy or impaired.
• Stay off your phone and any other mobile devices, and just drive.
• Buckle your seatbelt, no matter how far or close the drive is.

If you have been seriously injured or lost a loved one in a crash caused by someone else’s negligence, contact Grant Law Office at (404) 995-3955. Our Atlanta auto accident attorneys can evaluate the accident to determine fault and liability and pursue all forms of compensation. We were named among the 10 Best Law Firms in Georgia by the American Institute in 2021. Our husband and wife team has won multi-million dollar settlements and awards for our clients.